USS Saratoga Association

The image was conceived in fight, amid the War of 1812, when the British were attempting to recover control of the settlements. Four British Men-O'- War, under full sail, were locked in on Lake Champlain by a littler American armada. The American lead on that day was the Saratoga, under the charge of 28 year old Commodore Thomas MacDonough. A British cannonball tore through the deck, crushing a coop and discharging a youthful sailor's gamecock. The irritated winged animal travelled to the rail of the boat, and as though communicating his shock, crowed vigorously and insubordinately. Taking this as an indication of good fortunes, the Americans battled the British with freshly discovered bravery and won the fight.

For a long time, the battling cockerel has been the image of Vigilance, Strength and Courage. Despite the fact that the times of the immense battling cruising boats are gone, the soul of the battling chicken lived on for 38 radiant years on board the United States Ship Saratoga.